Two top jockeys ‘kicked and punched by crazy mob’ in middle-of-the-night attack over Cheltenham performances

TWO top jockeys were reportedly ‘kicked and punched by a crazy mob’ in a middle-of-the-night attack over their Cheltenham performances.

Festival heroes Jack Kennedy and Sam Ewing were ambushed in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to a report in the Irish Mirror.

Reuters

Kennedy, right, is the No1 jockey of iconic trainer Elliott, left, and the pair celebrated Cheltenham Festival success together earlier this month[/caption]

Reuters

Ewing was the first to be set upon by the mob in the middle-of-the-night attack[/caption]

Police are said to be hunting the thugs after they set upon the jockeys, who ride for Gordon Elliott, in Naas, County Kildare.

It is alleged the gang made comments about the jockeys’ performances at Cheltenham – even though both had winners.

Kennedy, Elliott’s No1 jockey who has prize winnings of £2million this season alone, won the Grade 1 Stayers’ Hurdle on Teahupoo.

While Ewing, 20, sprung a 33-1 shock on Stellar Story in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, just denying Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man in a head-bobbing thriller.

A source was quoted as saying: “There were ridiculous comments made about Cheltenham.

“They got set upon by a group of men who complained about the number of races the pair won. It was crazy altogether.

“They are both inoffensive young fellas and did not deserve this. They were the victims here.”

The report claimed Ewing was the first to be attacked by the gang of thugs as he walked along South Main Street at 3am on Monday, March 18.

Kennedy, 25, is alleged to have rushed to his mate’s help but was then also attacked.

The Irish Mirror report claims ‘the two jockeys were repeatedly punched and kicked in the shocking attack – before they managed to escape’.

Police confirmed an assault had taken place and they were hunting those involved.

A statement said: “Gardaí at Naas received a report of an alleged assault incident that occurred at approximately 3:15am on Monday, 18th of April 2024, on South Main Street in Naas, Co Kildare.

“Two males, aged in their 20s, were injured during the incident.

“No arrests have been made at this time, and inquiries are ongoing.”

Elliott when contacted by the Mirror said he ‘knew nothing’ about the attack – while it is believed neither jockey was seriously injured.